The government is addressing the crisis in the Middle East “with seriousness and without ideological prejudices,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis on ERT News, emphasizing that mobilization occurred at all levels from the first moment. Mr. Hatzidakis noted that KYSEA (Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense) convened immediately, while the Prime Minister had successive contacts with regional leaders. Additionally, as he said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is intensively handling the repatriation of Greeks trapped in Gulf countries, alongside managing diplomatic developments.
As he continued, the Ministry of National Defense, in cooperation with the government, focused on fortifying Cyprus by deploying frigates and military aircraft. “Above all, we prioritize Greece’s interests,” he noted, adding that the country is today “much more strengthened in alliances and in terms of Armed Forces” compared to 2019.
Kostis Hatzidakis: Greece is not involved in the war – It stands by Cyprus
The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that Greece “is not involved in the war” but supports its alliances and stands by Cyprus. As he said, the targets of the attacks appeared to be British bases located on Cypriot territory, a fact that required immediate mobilization.
Referring to statements by KKE General Secretary Dimitris Koutsoumbas about drones heading toward Crete, Mr. Hatzidakis recalled the denial by the Defense Minister, who emphasized that “no such evidence exists.” He also called for avoiding the cultivation of panic. “We are making all necessary moves, but composure and seriousness are needed,” he stressed.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, returns of Greeks from Israel have already begun via Egypt and other countries like Oman. The Foreign Ministry’s efforts continue in cooperation with embassies, while the Prime Minister held a teleconference with Greek ambassadors for better coordination. “We are utilizing every possibility so that Greeks return safely,” he emphasized.
Economic impacts of the crisis
Mr. Hatzidakis noted that the key question is the duration of the war. He recalled that the June 2025 tension in the same region lasted 12 days and ultimately had no significant economic impacts, but this time “no one can guarantee” the outcome.
He clarified that only 25% of global oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, while 75% is unaffected by the region.
Regarding natural gas, prices are far from the levels of the Ukraine war crisis. They recently rose from 39 to 43 euros.
In oil, there is an increase in diesel, but in Greece “the largest part of the pump price concerns taxes,” so the impact is expected to be smaller.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that there is no issue of energy security or normal market supply. He also said that the economic team, during budget preparation, has developed scenarios to address potential disruptions, even the possibility of oil reaching $100 per barrel. As he noted, the impact on the budget will depend exclusively on the duration and intensity of the crisis, factors that cannot currently be predicted with certainty.
